Overreaction Monday: Is Kyle Shanahan to blame for Trey Lance injury?

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1. Actually, no I didn’t like the Zone Read play to Deebo. He should have been stopped for a 6 yard loss. That was a bad play that Deebo turned into Gold because he’s one of the best players in the NFL. Don’t give credit for a great play design to Kyle Shanahan for that play. Give credit to Deebo Samuel for turning a 6 yard loss into a 51 yard gain because he’s great.

   The Zone Read can be run in many different forms. In many cases, the QB can keep and run to space on the outside. That’s not Kyle Shanahan’s play design in the Zone Read. Kyle designed a Zone Read for Trey Lance to run straight up the middle. That’s a bad play design. That play design had a 100% chance of resulting in an injury to Trey Lance. Unfortunately, that play was a season ender for Lance. So i don’t think you are correct in saying that the 49ers can keep that play or scrap the Zone Read all together. That’s simply incorrect.

   1. “That play design had a 100% chance of resulting in an injury to Trey Lance”. Incredible! Are you god? Should every team now remove this play from their plans? The results of this play, like every other play, depends on the holes that are opened by the line and the play of the defense, and obviously the runner. That’s why the results are always different and can’t be predicted.

      1. Yes. You don’t have to be God to know running your QB up the middle is an injury waiting to happen at the NFL level. These plays work well at the high school and college level when your QB can be bigger and more athletic than the entire defense. That doesn’t work at the NFL level. The Ravens do have some Zone Reads where Jackson runs between Guard and Tackle but he never gets hit straight up because he’s quicker than everyone else. That’s not Trey Lance. Look at the difference in these play designs and the blocking schemes. Josh Allen runs a Zone Read at the goal line and takes no hit whatsoever. Trey Lance gets hit hard on this play because that’s the way the play is designed.

         https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34618676/san-francisco-49ers-trey-lance-carted-ankle-injury-jimmy-garoppolo-comes-seattle-seahawks

         https://www.nfl.com/videos/josh-allen-s-quick-zone-read-td-caps-10-play-drive

         1. 1.6,
            Thanks for the video.
            But this play is called read option for a reason.
            The QB reads the defense and decides where best to run, pass or hand off. Trey apparently felt that running between the tackles was his best option.
            Josh Allen has been in the league for 5 years, I would venture that he has a better feel for reading the defense than Lance.

            1. No AES, seriously not trying to be confrontational but with all due respect, that’s just wrong. Look at the blocking schemes on those 2 plays in the videos. The entire Bills O-line was blocking down. Josh Allen reads the DE so when the DE goes down the LOS instead of staying home, Allen keeps and runs outside to space. On the 49ers zone read, Banks and Williams both pulled from left to right. On that play, Trey makes his read and the play is designed for him to run straight up the middle off the kickout block of Aaron Banks. This is not a Read where the QB has the option to run outside. If Lance reads and determines to keep, his only run is straight up the middle. That’s my problem with this play design. Trey’s run, and where that play is specifically designed to go, led him directly at a 342 lb defensive lineman being blocked by Jake Brendel. That’s my problem with this play design. Running a QB straight into the teeth of the defense is a recipe for disaster. That’s just the way it is in the NFL.

               1. You are 100% right, 1.6.

                  Most, not all, but the vast majority of Josh Allen’s designed runs, whether it be a zone read concept, or some kind of QB keeper, are designed to outside, not in between the tackles, and that’s a huge difference. Plus, it sure looks like Allen goes at least 250 lbs, probably a bit more.

                  Like LARRY KRUGER said, you can call Trey Lance a running QB all you want, but that doesn’t mean he should be running power concepts that are designed to run between the tackles.

                  And it’s ridiculous that Kyle is trying to frame it the way he is. He’s really looking desperate at this point, to cover his a_s, and it’s getting kind of pathetic!

                  In fact, when the 49ers were short handed and struggling to run the football last year, people were asking about the possibility of giving Trey Lance a package of plays at QB, to try to give the rushing attack a boost, because Jimmy is obviously no threat to run the football on anything other than short yardage situation.

                  Ed Werder asked about this and here is Ed Werder on his twitter, referring to a conversation with Kyle Shanahan, on 9/26/2021:

                  “Kyle Shanahan doesn’t view rookie QB Trey Lance as solution to create rushing yards. “HE (LANCE) IS NOT LAMAR JACKSON”, Kyle told me. “TREY IS A QUARTERBACK WHO HAS THE ABILITY TO RUN, BUT TO JUST LINE HIM UP AND RUN HIM, I MEAN, THE GAME IS TOO PHYSICAL!”

                  That’s a smoking gun if there ever was one! My goodness! Don’t you guys just hate an electronic paper trail? LOL

               2. What about these plays? Allen taking on multiple defensive lineman…is Josh Allen just lucky?

                  https://weeklyspiral.com/2021/01/13/the-scheme-behind-josh-allens-designed-quarterback-runs/

                  1. Good find, James. Look at the blocking scheme on those Bills plays. Those are traditional QB draws. Empty backfield with a pass look, then the QB runs to the open space. Still between the tackles but Allen has the option on the best running lane. The o-line actually shows pass pro and then the interior of the line drive blocks. The entire defense reads pass at the snap so LBers and Secondary drop into coverage. D-line is rushing for a pass play and trying to stay in their rush lanes which can be leveraged to creating running lanes. On the 49er Zone read, there is no pass element. It’s a fake handoff with the left side of the line pulling left to right. The entire defense reads run at the snap so they are coming up to handle their run fits. Having said that, there are 2 things that need to be said:

                     #1 Josh Allen is a much better running QB than Trey Lance. In my opinion, Allen is the best running QB in the NFL – bar none. He’s also great at avoiding big hits which obviously is not true for Trey Lance.

                     #2 I still hate these play calls at any frequency even for Josh Allen. Allen is huge so he can absorb contact better than any other QB in the NFL. Eventually, these play calls will even catch up to Josh Allen.

                  2. James, read this data from PFF and PFR:

                     Kyle’s usage of Lance was far from normal, even among the NFL’s new crop of running quarterbacks……. Lance ran the ball on a higher proportion of snaps than any other QB in the league during his four starts, as data from Pro Football Reference and Pro Football Focus shows: San Francisco has had Lance running the ball at three times the rate Buffalo did with JOSH ALLEN at this point in his career. Even as Allen’s usage as a runner has increased, he has never carried the ball on more than 10.6% of his snaps in a season. Lance ran the ball 19.0% of the time, three percentage points more than Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson, nearly double every other quarterback, and more than triple Allen’s rate.

                     Josh Allen weighs 250+ lbs, and even his HC didn’t run him nearly as often as Kyle was running 225 lbs Lance. And it’s not just about the amount of run either, it’s about the design of the play, like 1.6 tried to point out.

                     This is just not a winning argument for those of you who refuse to acknowledge that Kyle Shanahan unnecessarily put Trey Lance at a much higher level of injury risk, by the way Kyle used him. It’s not a valid argument to claim that Trey Lance’s health wasn’t put and greater risk, running the football between the tackles at a much higher rate than any other QB in the league! It’s just not. And then when you factor in Kyle’s absolute neglect to even make learning to slide a priority for Trey’s early development, I’d argue this is a fire-able offense!

                     And think about this question, James:

                     Do you know which offensive position has by far the shortest lifespan in terms of their NFL careers? If you guessed RB, you’d be right. That’s why you carry a lot more RB’s on a roster, than you do QB’s. Because RB’s constantly getting hurt running the football into the defensive line.

                     On the flip side, can you guys tell me which offensive position has the longest lifespan in terms of their NFL Careers? If you guessed QB, you’d be right. Do you have any idea why an NFL QB’s career, on average, lasts longer than any other offensive position?

                     I’ll let this stuff sink in for a minute, and hopefully you guys will come to your sense!

                  3. Well respect, former NFL Coach “sick to his stomach” because of the way Kyle chose to use his young, franchise QB (THREE 1st round picks).

                     “I feel sick to my stomach about the injury, because the play call was not integral to the outcome of the game, and at that time, not considered a must call considering down-and-distance, as well as the defense on the field, coupled with the success of the Niners run-game from real ball carriers (RB’s)!”

                     Let’s everyone on this blog repeat this term after me – “SITUATIONAL FOOTBALL”

                     Say it out loud guys ……

               3. Naw this was unfortunate. The play design allowed for him to follow Trent Williams on the inside of a kickout by Banks. And their was a significant amount of space if Trent does get slowed up by some trash. Buffalo has a similar play call for Allen as do the Eagles for Hurts, as did Carolina for Cam.
                  I get the argument for running him less but this concept of qb’s running between the tackles is not exactly unique or new.

                  The problem I think we are seeing is that Trey while very athletic on paper isnt the natural runner he was thought to be and truth be told, on a football field I think Allen is not only bigger but faster as well.

               4. 1.6,
                  If you look at the play before the ball was hiked, you will see a fairly wide gap with the two defensive tackles over our center. Trey might have seen that defensive alignment (before the two tackles slid back to close the gap) before the snap and felt that the opening would still be there.

                  Also, remember when Trey scored on runs last year, they were run on the outside. That play is still there to use, but he decided that running between the tackles were his chance at a 1st down. The angst here is that he was seriously injured. But, had he not been injured, it would have been just a regular play. Had he run for a 1st down, I’ll venture that Shanahan would not be questioned by the media and the fans.
                  You can’t change a QBs running mindset.
                  Harbaugh tried to make Kaep a passing QB and we saw how that worked.

                  1. No. I’ve disliked that play design going back to last year even when successful. Too much opportunity for injury.

                     And you’re just plain wrong on the play where Lance got injured. That play is designed to be run up the middle. No where else. Lance does not have the option to kick it outside. Brendel tries to kick down to his left. McGlinchey blocks down to push the DT to the inside. Banks pulls to block the DE to the outside. Williams is supposed to lead through the hole. That is a Power Gut play going back 50 years. No way is that play designed in any way shape or form to give the QB the option to kick it outside. He doesn’t have that option pre-snap or after he decides to keep.

   2. Trey had a very slim resume in a no-name football program. He was never worth 3 first-rounders. Not even one many say. I think Trey is a terrific person. But with a combined QB rating of 84 and no visible improvement of throwing accuracy, I don’t
      see him as a franchise QB. You draft a QB for his accuracy as a pocket passer. Not as a runner. Too many injuries. Kyle’s explanation is self-condemning in my mind. But no worries, the Niners likely do not make the playoffs anyway. The SB winner is likely Buffalo. The Niners are nowhere near that in quality with or without Trey. Good luck with Jimmy G. Only hope is that Purdy is a late-round gem.

2. I hope that this quiets the blamers on this blog but I doubt it. It’s mostly about emotion but maybe this will satisfy some but there are others that just can’t use logic and reason.
   It’s extremely unfortunate that Trey was injured both for him and the team because his development is now set back for a year. He’s young so he should be able to overcome this and have a great career. I look forward to hearing about his rehab.

   1. Emotion??? Overreaction!!!

      From SF Gate–
      
      Lance ran the ball on a higher proportion of snaps than any other quarterback in the league during his four starts, as data from Pro Football Reference and Pro Football Focus shows:

      Lance ran the ball 19.0% of the time, three percentage points more than Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson, nearly double every other quarterback, and more than triple Allen’s rate. These numbers also don’t include Lance’s usage in run-first wildcat formations that subjected him to more hits while he was Garoppolo’s backup last season. Something, by the way, that the Bills never did with Allen.

      San Francisco has had Lance running the ball at three times the rate Buffalo did with Allen at this point in his career. Even as Allen’s usage as a runner has increased, he has never carried the ball on more than 10.6% of his snaps in a season.
      

      1. Ya stupid. Trey got hurt on 40 carry’s in the NFL, meanwhile Hurts and Allen are still running without injuries.

         1. First of all numb-n_ts, Trey Lance is not Hurts or Allen, or even Lamar Jackson, and Kyle knows it.

            Here is Kyle on the subject of giving Trey Lance some sub-packages at QB last year, in order to potentially boost the 49ers struggling, and injury riddled rushing attack. This is pulled directly from Ed Werder’s twitter:

            9/26/2021: “Kyle Shanahan doesn’t view rookie QB Trey Lance as solution to create rushing yards. ‘HE (LANCE) IS NOT LAMAR JACKSON’, Kyle told me. ‘TREY IS A QUARTERBACK WHO HAS THE ABILITY TO RUN, BUT TO JUST LINE HIM UP AND RUN HIM, I MEAN, THE GAME IS TOO PHYSICAL!’”

            Boom, that’s game, set, and match, James, you lose your silly argument! Quit be a lacky for Kyle Shanahan. he’s a grown man and he needs to take responsibility for his mistakes, and for putting his franchise QB needlessly in a high risk/low reward environment, for no good reason.

            Either Kyle screwed up in his evaluation of Trey Lance as a prospect, or Kyle screwed up in his development of Trey Lance. It’s got to be one or the other, so quit trying to cover for him!

            1. The Ed Werder quote means that Kyle wasn’t going to put Trey in to be a running back because that is what Ed Werder was alluding too.

               My opinion is that Kyle wanted Mac Jones. York, Lynch, Peters wanted Lance. Shanahan was sold by those 3 on Lance in order to keep a good relationship and not be ousted if Jones struggled. The Lance pick never made sense at all.

               1. Nonsense, James. Think about it, bro? If Kyle was referring to using Trey as a RB (which BTW nobody in their right mind would have suggested), then why did Kyle use Lamar Jackson as a reference point? Lamar doesn’t play RB, for crying out loud, he’s a QB!

                  You got to be smarter than this, James, because what I Kyle is trying to project to cover his a_s, is so laughably transparent! And again, NOBODY was suggesting that Kyle should line Trey Lance up at RB. Trey Lance is 6’4″ and he runs upright! How would using Trey as a RB help boost your rushing attack, even setting aside the obvious issue of using a QB whom the team used THREE 1st round picks on, as a RB! That would never, ever happen, James, but I think you know that!

3. Great question, Jack.

   But I need to ask all of you guys about the ACT OF SLIDING, because I think this perfectly encapsulates Kyle Shanahan’s lack of basic understanding when it comes to the fundamentals of developing a young, mobile QB!

   This was one of the initial RED-FLAGS for me, LAST SEASON! It was glaringly apparent during Trey’s first NFL start against Arizona, that Trey didn’t seem to have one of the most important tools that any duel-threat QB needs to have in his tool-box – the ability to slide.

   With all of the rule changes in the NFL over the last 20 years – it’s the Unsportsmanlike Conduct of contacting or hitting any mobile QUARTERBACK after he simply starts the act of sliding, that has been the most beneficial for these young modern-day mobile QB’s, in order to help preserve their health. Not only that, 15 yards an an automatic first-down is a huge stressor on any opposing defense!

   So having said all of that, what if I told you guys that this was never a point of emphasis for Trey Lance, during his rookie season. And what if I told you guys that this STILL wasn’t a point of emphasis for Trey Lance, as recently as the middle of this year’s training camp? Would it shock you to know that, of all of the things you can do to help protect a young QB, teaching him the art of sliding was never made a priority for Trey’s development under Kyle Shanahan. And would it shock you that when asked about this as recently as last month, that Kyle Shanahan seemed completely oblivious to this aspect of Trey’s early development?

   Now you tell me ….. if Kyle has even the basic understanding when it comes to developing a young mobile QB, and he’s convinced that Trey Lance needs to used aggressively as a runner early in his career in order to offset his shortcomings when it comes to passing (as unbelievable as this sounds for a QB picked 3rd overall) how did Kyle completely botch such a fundamental developmental aspect for a duel-threat QB as sliding?

   This is mobile QB 101 – stuff that I am talking about! This is basic stuff guys! The most basic developmental tool in the tool-box! And after the RG3 “incident”, you would think that Kyle Shanahan, of all HC’s in the NFL, would understand just how important it is for every duel-threat QB to learn how to best protect himself, wouldn’t you? If Kyle had even the slightest ability to understand how to develop a mobile QB, you would have to believe he would be smart enough to start with the fundamentals of the slide!

   1. Jax,
      “But I need to ask all of you guys about the ACT OF SLIDING, because I think this perfectly encapsulates Kyle Shanahan’s lack of basic understanding when it comes to the fundamentals of developing a young, mobile QB!”

      So are you saying that Lance should have slid when running between the tackles? He needed 6 yds for a 1st down. That would have been one heck of a slid, especially maneuvering through traffic.

      You are reaching, just to reach.

      1. No AES, what I am saying is that Kyle failed in his development of Lance. Obviously, if he doesn’t even understand the need to prioritize learning to slide in order for Trey Lance to reasonably protect himself, then Kyle doesn’t understand the job description of developing a mobile young QB.

         There was nowhere for Trey to slide on that play, so that’s more a failure in play design, and in understanding situational football. But the fact that Kyle was completely oblivious to the fact that Trey Lance never even attempted a slide until the end of this year’s training camp. That for me, tells us all we really need to know about Kyle as a QB developer. It’s just not Kyle’s jam. Great play designer, and very good play caller, but he’s too focused on that, and not focused nearly enough on the nitty gritty of QB development.

         Heck, Trey Lance’s QB coach last season was Rich Scangarello, who knows nothing about today’s mobile QB’s. That’s ridiculous. And while I do like some things the Brian Griese brings to the QB room, he’s never developed a mobile QB either. Wouldn’t you want someone with experience, and a track record in developing a mobile, duel-threat style QB?

         1. Jax,
            You make some good points here.
            But most running QBs come out of college having to learn how to slide when the need arises.
            In the preseason game against the Packers, Lance had a beautiful slide that was reminiscent of a baseball player.

            In the play in which he was injured, his intention was to run for 6 yrds to get a 1st down between the tackles. There’s no need or room to slide in that situation.

            If anything good came out of the injury, it’s that now he will have a keen awareness of running smarter as opposed to trying to run over defenders.
            In football, you learn through experience. Hopefully, Trey will.
            I’m not so sure that a coach could teach this. Like a boxer, it’s up to them to learn when to duck.

4. So I should like my QB running between the tackles just as much as Deebo breaking a long run? You can do the read option without turning your QB into a fullback.

   Also, you force the other team to play 11-on-11 by having a mobile QB who must be accounted for once he leaves the pocket, no need to hammer him up the middle 10 times a game.

   1. Respectfully, I only counted 3 runs in this game. If there were 10, I need to get my eyes checked.

5. Jaxson, What ever made me think that a person who has been immersed in football all his life and at the highest level would have a basic understanding of the importance of sliding that you have. Maybe Shanahan should start reading this blog or better yet, maybe you should offer your services. I’m sure York would be willing to pay big money for your knowledge and expertise.

   1. How much are they paying for your unwavering support? 🤣

      1. Isn’t that what true fans do?

         1. Not really. You should look up the origin and definition.

            Fans are entitled to their enthusiastic support and passion for their favorite team.

            I get you’re even keeled but this isn’t a book club. Sometimes your comments are drier than Rosie O’Donnell’s girlfriend on a trip to Death Valley.

            Everyone’s entitled to an opinion, including you! Emotion is a characteristic quite welcomed by others. It keeps things interesting. Try visiting a British pub before/during/after a football game. It’s quite enjoyable, and yes- people do get crazy, have ridiculous takes, and are quite unreasonable with their opinions. But it’s also why they’re so much fun.

            Live a little. Or just let live.

            As an aside I had a roommate named Felix in college for one year. The most straight and narrow guy I’ve ever met. It was impossible to get him to let loose. 😀 You remind me a bit of him. Did you happen to spend a year at a UC dorm in the mid 90s?

            1. I’m pretty certain Fan is short for fanatic and I know that definition.

               1. 🥱

               2. Felix,

                  Nuisance has the perfect description of fair-weather fans, which he obviously IDs with.

                  Glad to see you carrying the faith!

6. If you draft a running QB then what the heck, you run him. I didn’t like the trade when it was announced, and I like even less now. Only thing KS is guilty of is the trade itself. The reason KS drafted Lance was to run him, and he did. I see nothing wrong with running him yesterday or in the future as that is the reason KS drafted him. Don’t give me that availability crap either Lance was hurt last year and now this year.

   Niners drafted a scrambling QB – Purdy. Lance is not and will never be a scrambler he is a runner. JG will never be a runner nor a scrambler he is a pocket player.

   1. Just because you draft a running QB with the plan of incorporating him into the run game, doesn’t mean you need to design runs for him straight up the middle. Kyle could have developed a more traditional zone read where Lance keeps and goes outside to space if the DE goes down the LOS. That scheme allows a QB to deal with contact from LBers and secondary players. Instead, Kyle designed zone reads where the guard and tackle pull so Lance’s runs are straight up the middle. Designed plays where the QB can get hit by d-lineman. Go back and really watch that play and look at the blocking.

      Quenton Jefferson (#77) is lined up in the B gap. Spencer Burford’s job is to let him go and get to the 2nd level to block a LB. Mike McGlinchey is supposed to reach block and push Jefferson inside. That’s a near impossible block to make so Jefferson disrupts the entire blocking scheme. Banks does a good job getting through the traffic and still sealing off the DE who stayed home on the play. Trent Williams basically blocks no one because of the traffic in the backfield. Jake Brendel gets absolutely destroyed by Bryan Mone (#90). Mone easily comes off Brendel’s block and is in on the tackle of Lance. Mone is the one who tackles Lance low so it’s likely the Mone hit is the hit that broke Lance’s ankle. Mone is a 345 lb NFL defensive tackle. Trey Lance ran this play exactly as it was designed. Banks and Williams pull, and Trey Lance follows thru the hole straight up the middle.

      It’s fine to say, Shanahan drafted Lance to be a runner so yeah he’s supposed to run. That ignores the fact that you can still call designed run plays for QBs where they aren’t running through 345lb defensive tackles.

7. Shanahan’s play call was not nearly as disturbing as his pathetic press conference remarks about Trey and the injury AND his failure to go onto to the field to check up on the young QB after it became clear he had suffered a major injury. And just about as bad were Mike McGlinchey and Kyle Juszczyk who acted gleeful that Jimmy was back and with him “the 49ers way.” Give me a break, guys!

   1. Shanahan did run onto the field when he realized Trey wasn’t getting up.

   2. Rob,
      “And just about as bad were Mike McGlinchey and Kyle Juszczyk who acted gleeful that Jimmy was back and with him “the 49ers way.” Give me a break, guys!”

      What are you trying to say here? And what does these guys being gleeful have to do with the game?

8. Ty Davis-Price high ankle sprain could miss between 3 to 6 weeks. I’m not sure which play he was hurt on but i’m sure there are a few who will find a way to blame KS

   1. OC, Oh I’m sure some will. You can’t fix stupid. Actually I’m not sure stupid is the right word to describe a “fan” who thinks they are smarter than a NFL coach. Insane?
      Now we are searching for another RB. We do go through RB’s like water.

9. i think so, KS said something along the lines of have you seen josh allen and buffalo.
   well i wish he would actually see one of their games and how they go about using him and learn from them, because a lot of the times that josh runs is because nothing is open, also josh often takes deep shots, trey has the arm but look how many times they actually called plays were wr ran a deep route even in preseason. lets face it ks as conservative of a caller as it gets, he calls plays not to loose the game, keep it close even when you are completely dominating opponents, they seems to always have a chance to get back in the game, buffalo on the other hand are the type of team will make you got for it on 4th down because they are going to put point up no matter how good the defense they are facing is.
   the 2nd point i want to bring up is alabama and how they used bryce young as a freshman. most expert say trey doesnt have experience, that he is young, that he has only take x amount of snaps. well young is on the same situation, young, imature and a mobile qb. alabama has used him differently, last year they told him that he is too valuable to the success of the team that they didnt want him to run and risk getting hurt.
   last point how many qb were top 10 draft picks and went to bad team, got hit often and ended up being nothing more than an avg qb like david carr, so why would you want your qb getting hit time and time again, why would you want to do that to the most valuable player on your team

10. “If you are in this camp, let me start by asking if you were upset by the play call which led to Deebo Samuel’s 51-yard gain. ” This is the perfect demonstration of the difference between a “rookie” QB, a veteran halfback, and a coach who should know the difference. It’s already been demonstrated that Deebo is a wide receiver who can double for a halfback. He’s a rare player, and one of a very few who don’t get tackled in the backfield on that play. Shanahan regards his QBs as if they are shiny toys – until he breaks them.

    1. I had time to watch the replay of the Lance injury a few times and it looks to my eyes that it was a freak injury.

       Trey was hit by #90 at the same moment that he planted his right foot. Trey was not able to lift his foot fast enough and took the brunt of the defenders weight.

       It should also be noted that Lance ran this same play on the opening series and gained 12 yards and 5 yrds as well.
       I’m watch the Bills vs Tenn game and another freak injury just happened. Edmonds had a friendly fire hit on his own teammate.
       Hopefully the injured player isn’t seriously hurt. But it definitely was a freak injury.

       1. Exactly if I told you Trey Lance got caught in an awkward spot between an offensive lineman and a defensive lineman you would have thought he got injured in the pocket on a pass play.

11. Deebo should have been tackled for a loss and made that long play happen – it wasn’t necessarily a good play call. And a HC can take advantage of a quarterback with running skills without REPEATEDLY calling plays that send him into the teeth of the defensive line simply by allowing him to scramble as needed. Kyle f-ed up Lance and was careless with a young player that has been heavily invested in. I fully support Jimmy G – as any Niner fan should – but this was bad management of a young QB.

    1. I agree with this.

12. I love Trey as a person but I did not feel he was much improved over the last year. He is still rather inaccurate in his throws, especially short throws. No, he was never worth 3 first-round picks. One would have been a risk. We are now finding out several knowledgeable coaches did not consider him a proven first-rounder. He lacked the resume and the pick was hyped by the media way too much.

    1. Trey’ pass over the middle to Aiyuk was a thing of beauty. Perfect pass thrown to Aiyuk in stride for a first down. Judging Lance after a few games and two series before being hurt is quite the stretch. Unfortunately we won’t know just how much Trey would have developed as a passer. But if college is any indication, he did throw 28 TDs without an Int. in 2019.
       That’s a darn good passing resume.

    2. Are these the same coaches who said we should have drafted Aaron Rodgers over Alex Smith? Maybe they were the same coaches who passed on Rodgers before he was picked by GB at 28.
       The world is full of Monday morning media writers, coaches and fans.
       Sheesh! We selected Trey Lance. Get over it.

13. Today, Shanahan was asked about the comments from 2021 and what he meant by them.

    “Yeah, that means we didn’t want to move him to running back,” Shanahan responded. “That means everything is with a read principle and that you don’t go out there and just run him every single play. He’s a quarterback who can run.

    “I also think that was in reference to [a reporter] asking if Trey could help us out at running back last year because of all our injuries to [the position]. And no, we weren’t going to move him there.”

    TRUTH is not wanted by many.

14. 49ers Official Report on Trey Lance.
    “San Francisco quarterback Trey Lance underwent successful surgery on his injured right ankle this morning, an injury that occurred in yesterday’s game versus the Seattle Seahawks.

    “Surgery was performed at Stanford Hospital and repaired two injuries to Lance’s ankle, a fibula fracture and ligament disruption. Lance will start the rehab process, and head team physician Dr. Tim McAdams is confident that he will recover completely in time for a full return in the 2023 season.”

15. People act like they’ve been coaches in the NFL or College lol, leave coaching to the coaches and stick to being a fan! People think they know better than Shanahan, one of the greatest offensive minds in the NFL. Some of these hating fans probably never even played football lol, stop hating and enjoy the W.

16. The offensive interior at all 3 spots is suspect in pass protection. Did anyone see Trey Lance get spun around and dragged down by his shoulder pad against the Bears? Where did Trey Lance feel more confident in the pocket behind Burford, Brendel, & Banks, or running like he did his whole career?

    People want Kyle Shanahn to call like 3 plays for Lance…

    1st – Play action boot leg roll out
    2nd – Four verticals let Trey throw deep
    3rd – Four verticals, except Trey scrambles for 1st down

    Repeat same plays another 15 times….

17. “Giving his running backs more opportunities instead of falling in love with quarterback runs would be a good place for Shanahan to recapture the identity of his offense and it’s crucial for a couple of reasons; the running backs have been able to get going the last two weeks is one and the other would be there’s a reason that running backs have short careers. Continually putting the ball in the hands of your prize quarterback to run the ball between the tackles doesn’t generate better results than handing it off and it is a good way to ensure Trey Lance will have a short career, and now after his first start he may be out for a week or two with a sprained knee.”

    Jack Hammer 10/11/21 (After Trey Lance sprained a knee during his start against the AZ Cardinals)

    https://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/three-takeaways-from-49ers-third-loss-in-a-row/

    1. Jack was right! He has a good understanding of football. I would think is thoughts on Lance overall development and trajectory have changed since 10/11/2021.

       1. JF,
          +1

          In football every team does their best to minimize injuries, but in a contact sport where there are fast, big and athletic players who get paid to hit, injuries are going to occur.
          It’s the nature of the beast.

    2. Thinking he shouldn’t have Lance run so often is separate from understanding why they liked the player and why they’ve utilized him the way they have.

       Go back and watch my film breakdowns on Lance from NDSU. I pointed to specific examples of how he fit the run game.

18. Get well soon Trey but yeah I’m in the camp that shanahan wasn’t at fault for what happened to him. Accidents happen, this is football.

19. Congratulations, Jack!…your column is so intriguing and insightful, that some of the best offensive minds read it….and offer their years of offensive genius, and on field experience to the conversation…

20. Jack
    To have a young INEXPERIENCED QB run between the tackles, 3 times in the 1st Quarter is is the fault of the HC.
    To have a young INEXPERIENCED QB without a RB running style, run between the tackles, 3 times in the 1st Quarter is the fault of the HC.
    To have a young INEXPERIENCED QB without a RB running style, between the tackles, 3 times in the 1st Quarter without a lead block is the fault of the HC.

    1. You could use the same logic on passing plays which can also result in injuries. There is only one way to get experience. If you didn’t let him run for a whole year, would you then consider him experienced the next year?

       1. Felix, so we wasted 3 picks to give someone the opportunity to gain experience?
          That’s some great strategy…..

          1. Of course, every new player has to gain experience. He was drafted in part because of his running ability. How is this so difficult to understand?

    2. Spoken like someone who didn’t watch Lance play in college or understand why the 49ers wanted to get him.

       1. Uhmmm yeah Jack.
          That’s why a lot of great college players fail in the NFL???
          Tebow anyone?

          1. Tim Tebow is a great comp for the way NDSU used Lance. In fact, that’s who Lance looked like when running the ball 30 times in the 2019 FCS Championship game.

             1. Jack, Tebow was a star in college
                Not so much in the NFL
                What does that tell you?

21. I don’t really care what TL was good at in the FEW games he played at a lower level.
    He doesn’t run like a RB, Deebo runs like a RB, Trey does not.
    He should’ve run more on the outside and the occasional play on the inside to keep a D off balance.
    This was an accident waiting to happen. And it came quick.
    Three shots and you’re out!

    1. You don’t care what a player was good at in a lower level? That’s the only reason you draft a player. A little common sense in your posts would help.

       1. Reading comprehension is not your suit at any level eh.

22. For me, I love the game of football. I am a fan of the 49ers and only because I am an old guy ,I have seen over 1,000 humans in the 49er uniform play this game. When one of those players gets injured the game does not stop, another player takes his place and the game goes on.
    Over 90% of NFL players will have a musculoskeletal injury during their professional career. This is a dangerous sport and all those guys who play it know it.
    Rarely do you see a player walk away because of the violence of the game, some do and maybe Lance will be one of them , but I doubt it.
    If I had my way no one would get injured…But this sunday there is another game and I want my team to win.

    1. Hacksaw,
       +1

    2. Very well put. I don’t think these negative Nellies could possibly be fans because they only offer criticism and never support and because a fan will eventually become knowledgeable at least about the basics.

    3. Hacksaw,
       I used to watch the 49er play at Kezar stadium when I was a snotty nose kid. I remember Gale Sayers taking a hit from Kermit Alexander that virtually ended his career. Injuries, though hard to say, are part of the sport.

       Joe Montana was viciously hit by NYG Jim Burt behind the scrimmage that almost ended his career. Injuries go back in decades in the game of football. Now, with the new generation of hybrid players, we see injuries taking place more often.
       If people want injury free football they should watch flag football or play Madden Football 2022.

       1. AES,
          The game has certainly changed over the years. It is so much safer now than the Kezar days.
          When the games moved to Candlestick with that awful Astro turf, a carpet over concrete. The injuries to their
          exstremities increased exponentially. You would see rug burns on their arms and knots on their elbows, knee and ankle injuries. To say nothing about the blind side blocks below the waist. Open season on the receivers and QBs.
          I think the biggest difference today is how much bigger and faster the players are today. It was not that long ago that Bubba Paris was called a giant because he weighed 300 lbs

          1. Hacksaw,
             Exactly. I remember WR, Renaldo Nehemiah breaking his leg on the old AstroTurf. Thank goodness for many stadiums that still use natural grass.

23. With Jimmy G’s history does anyone else here think we will see Purdy sooner than later?

    1. I’d think the odds are pretty good, sad to say. Such is football.

    2. Coach,
       Hopefully, much later. But this is Jimmy we’re talking about.
       Btw, do you think that the 49ers will look to sign another veteran QB?
       I like Purdy, but the kid is still a rookie with only one TC behind him.

       1. AES,
          I’m not sure there is anyone out there worth signing. I was never a big Kaep fan but at this point if he is willing to take 3rd string money he might be a better choice than anyone else out there. Probably not.

          1. I would try to lure Kirkpatrick out of retirement. But he would want big money and jump Purdy as the #2 QB.
             But I would fine with this if the 49ers could make it happen.

24. The Locked on 49ers podcast guys have a pretty good discussion about the Trey Lance injury. I don’t necessarily agree with all of it but it’s a good listen. It’s pretty long though. I had no idea Kyle Shanahan was on pace to run Trey Lance more than any other QB in the history of the NFL. That alone is a problem no one else seems to be discussing.

    Seems like there are clearly 2 different camps on Trey’s injury.

    Camp 1 – Kyle drafted Lance to be a running QB so Kyle bears no responsibility for the injury. He’s doing exactly what he said he was going to do. Freak accident. Injuries are part of football.

    Camp 2 – Trey Lance is mobile but that doesn’t mean you need to run him so much, especially with designed runs straight up the middle. Kyle bears partial responsibility for Trey’s injury based on volume and scheme.

    I’m firmly in Camp 2. Kyle isn’t guilty of murdering Trey Lance’s career. BUT Kyle is definitely guilty of reckless endangerment of Trey Lance’s career.

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/66fIWbAt7aBUnoEQGHsNb6?si=TXsY9g_pRf6f8tRYRyKgZQ

    1. We’ll obviously based on your position, they should never have drafted him and should have gone with Mac Jones who was the more polished passer. However, I remember a lot of the people now criticizing Kyle where prior to the draft apoplectic at the thought he wouldn’t take Lance because of his running ability.

       1. It’s not all or nothing Felix. Just because I strongly dislike the play design and the way Shanahan used Lance doesn’t mean I think the 49ers should have never drafted Lance. I’m 100% on the Trey Lance bandwagon. I still am. I think he’s going to be very good for the 49ers if that ligament heals properly. I think calling power runs up the middle for the QB with a pulling guard and tackle is insane at the NFL level. You can call that play in college, especially at ND State where Lance was bigger, stronger, and faster than everyone he played. Calling that play at the NFL is guaranteed to get your QB injured. I can still like Lance and think he has an amazing skill set including his running capability while also thinking the play designs Kyle employed with Lance are exceptionally bad play designs.

    2. 1.6,
       “Camp 1 – Kyle drafted Lance to be a running QB so Kyle bears no responsibility for the injury. He’s doing exactly what he said he was going to do. Freak accident. Injuries are part of football.”

       What part of this are you debating?
       I truly see your point, and respect it. But, Shanahan said in his presser after the game that he believes that Lance could find success in the league because of his running ability. That comment validates that this was a reason why he and Lynch maneuvered to get him in the draft. If Shanahan tells Trey not to run anymore when he returns, it will rob him from a major part of his game. And doubt that this will happen when Trey returns.

       1. AES. I don’t debate that. I think it’s a legitimate argument. The part of that argument I dispute is the scheme Kyle employed to best use Trey Lance’s mobility. Just because a guy is mobile doesn’t mean you should run him between the tackles. Use a traditional Zone Read where a QB keeps only when there is space on the outside where the QB can take off and has time to slide when a tackler approaches. Not exactly the same but Tyreek Hill is mobile too. You don’t see anyone running him up the middle, do you? You can like a guys skill set and still limit his exposure to injury.

25. Trey Lance
    @treylance09
    23h
    “Truly appreciate all of the messages and prayers. Surgery was a success and I am ready to attack this rehab process. We will never understand why, but I trust that it’s all a part of His plan. I will be back better than ever. This chapter is going to make the story even greater!”

    Dang! I can’t help but love this kid.

26. Eagles rushing leaders through first two weeks:

    Miles Sanders, 30 carries 176 yards 1 TD
    Jalen Hurts, 28 carries 147 yards 3 TD

    Josh Allen running between the tackles in his two games prior to last night.

    https://twitter.com/richjmadrid/status/1572277873876279304?s=20&t=2blcuyWS4uxrWHvpKX_2Tw

    1. Jack:

       It’s great when a QB can scramble, but designed runs up the middle multiple times per game? I’m concerned about a strategy that will start paying a QB at some point down the road (assuming the QB makes it that far) $40 million on average per year and still use him as a battering ram; it’s a bad management decision, imo. You protect your major assets and don’t expose them to unnecessary risks. That’s true in almost all aspects of life and business; why should football be any different?

       1. I don’t know. You must watch a different brand of football than I do. Kittle and Debo are 2 of the most physical and expensive players on the field. Is Kyle supposed to hold them back? They make the big bucks because of their physicality. Let’s face it, Lance would not be here without his running ability. It’s a risk reward business like all others. If you draft someone because of their running ability, your going to run them. This is where Lance has had a lot of his success.

          1. A scrambling QB is what I think you want and what I thought KS originally drafted. Frankly, if all Lance brings to the table is running, then he was definitely not worth 2 net first round picks.

             QB is the most important position on the field and there are other ways to use them than as a battering ram. For Kittle and Deebo their use is an integral part of their job description and they have skills that you don’t hold back. Lance frankly is not a skilled runner, nor would I actually want him to be.

             How many analysts (i.e. former NFL players) have questioned how Lance is being used. Even Justin Fields commented on it. These are people who actually played the game or are playing, not us fans who simply sit on a couch with a cold beer.

             The management of Lance is poor and he is virtually guaranteed to get hurt every year. If the plan is to not give him a big contract and move on, then okay; kind of like the way RBs are treated. But they gave up a net two first round draft picks, so I don’t think that is the plan.

             1. It was never a secret why he was drafted and what his skills were. I wonder how many people on here would have objected to the play call if he hadn’t been injured. At the end of the day, it matters not what we think. I assume Trey will want to keep running as that is his skill set and that Kyle will want to continue his development as a running QB.

                1. So, what makes Trey so different from Kap? KS absolutely did not want Kap back in 2017. I thought as many did at the time that he simply did not want a QB whose main attribute was running. Was it instead that he felt Kap had reached his personal ceiling, which was not adequate as a passer, or has KS evolved his thinking regarding QBs.

                   Let’s not forget that Jaworski, a reasonably respected analyst at that time, predicted Kap could become the greatest QB in NFL history.

       2. Hey Cubus! Good to see you.

          Having studied Lance prior to the draft, I can say Shanahan has played to Lance’s strengths. Lance ran the ball at lot at NDSU, and most of those were between the tackles on designs similar to what we’ve seen him run with the 49ers.

          Here’s a criticism we often hear about coaches: “Coach ABC is just stubborn. He needs to build his offense around the skill sets of his players. Why does he keep trying to force a square peg into a round hole?”

          Shanahan built his offense around the skill set of Lance, and now people don’t like it because of a freak injury.

          Can’t have it both ways.

    2. Jack, do you really think those videos support play calls where you run the QB up the middle? Seriously? Look at those plays. Josh Allen took shots on every single one of those plays. That video is a reason NOT to run your QB up the middle. not the other way around.

       Do you even watch football, bro?

       1. That’s an uncalled for comment. You can disagree with Jack but there’s no question that he has more credentials than you do – from what I’ve read in your posts.

          1. Criticize someone for making an uncalled for comment and then make an uncalled for comment. That’s what they call “hypocricy.” Look it up. You might learn something. And then there’s the fact that your reply is ignorant. My comment was to Jack. He was likely in the room when Shanahan got testy and downright condescending with the media. Im sure more than a few writers thought Shanny’s comment below was “uncalled” for. And Im sure Jack understood my joke in my comment.

             “Do you guys watch other teams in this league? Buffalo does it all the time with their QB. It’s a pretty normal play.”

             Kyle Shanahan

             1. My comment wasn’t uncalled for or do you consider yourself more knowledgeable than Jack. Yes, a joke, like your screen name.

    3. That tweet only proves my point that running a QB between the tackles will shorten his lifespan.
       It’s an accident waiting to happen.

27. When the media discusses the Shanahan coaching tree, they are referring to Mike Shanahan’s coaching tree, not Kyle Shanahan. Even though Mike Shanahan’s first stint as Head Coach with the Raiders was a failure, Mike Shanahan is a two time Superbowl winner with the Denver Broncos. Obviously, Kyle learned his trade from his dad. Kyle is a very good coach, but he is far from being considered a genius that many from the press have labeled him.

    First, Kyle’s head coaching record is 40-43 which is mediocre at best. Three sub .500 seasons: 4-12, 6-10, 6-10, and two above .500 seasons: 13-3, 10-7. Contrast HC K. Shanahan with former 49ers HC Harbaugh, and Harbaugh was run out of the NFL because he won with a controversial QB Kaepernick who was also a running QB. HC Harbaugh was 44-19-1 with a Superbowl appearance and two NFC Championship appearances just like HC K. Shanahan. HC Harbaugh had ZERO sub .500 seasons: 13-3, 11-4-1, 12-4, and 8-8. However, Jed York fired HC Harbaugh because he ended his last season with the 49ers at 8-8.

    Second, K. Shanahan doesn’t know how to find a talented QB, nor can he develop a QB. Here’s a list of 49ers QBs under K.Shanahan: Brian Hoyer, CJ Beathard, Nick Mullens, Jimmy G, and Trey Lance. Jimmy G was developed by HC Belichick and was backup to TB12. Here’s a list of non-49ers QBs: RG3, Kirk Cousins, and Matt Ryan. RG3 didn’t develop as a QB because his career ended prematurely due to a knee injury. Kirk Cousins was the backup to RG3 of the Redskins, but that didn’t develop him as the Redskins fired Mike Shanahan and his staff in (guessing) 2013.

    After yesterday’s MNF drubbing by the Packers, Larry Beil of Channel 7 (After the Game) said Kirk Cousins is 2-10 on MNF games. Cousins has had good, solid seasons as QB during the regular season, but he disappears in big playoff games. Matt Ryan was an accurate QB for the Falcons, however, Ryan had an excellent reputation before K.Shanahan became the offensive coordinator in the Falcons Superbowl year. They almost beat TB12 in the Superbowl, but they lost a 25 point lead in the second half. The press pinned the blame on the offensive coordinator because he couldn’t hold the lead. HC Shanahan also had a 10 point lead in the fourth quarter against the KC Chiefs and the 49ers lost the 2019 Superbowl. There were whispers that Jimmy G was to blame (overthrown pass) for the Superbowl loss instead of Shanahan. In week one against the Bears, the 49ers had 10 point lead in the fourth quarter and the 49ers blew the lead and lost again.

    Third, HC Shanahan makes questionable decisions. The 49ers traded for Jimmy G in 2017 and played the last 5 or 6 games against solid contending teams, and the 49ers won all of them. Then they make Jimmy G the highest paid QB in the NFL. In the fifth year of his contract, they want to dump him for a younger QB, not knowing that they have to develop him. The 49ers chose a QB with only17 college games under his belt in a lower D1 conference. The 49ers traded three first round picks and a second rounder to get Trey Lance. It’s hard to develop a QB with so much inexperience because the current 49ers have an excellent defense in addition to a solid running game, and an excellent receiving corp. of Kittle, Deebo, and Aiyuk. This is a WIN now team. Another bad decision by HC Shanahan was the compliments they made about Deebo last year and how valuable he is, and then, they low-balled his contract extension. Deebo feeling insulted, demanded a trade in the spring. The coach and the front office need to take a class in negotiations. They obviously overpaid Jimmy G by giving him a HUGE contract and they almost lost Deebo Samuels.

    Finally, a lot of QBs and RBs have been injured under his watch. RG3, Jimmy G, Trey Lance, Mostert, Breida, Wilson, Mitchell, and other unnamed RBs for the 49ers have been dropping like flies since 2019.

    Although the players play hard for Shanahan, the head coaching win record is below average, he doesn’t make the necessary halftime adjustments to hold his leads in the second half of games, he hasn’t been able to find talented QBs, he doesn’t develop QBs, he makes bad personnel decisions, and his players get injured from his play calling. Furthermore, his attitude towards the press is arrogant and snotty. HC Shanahan wants to get rid of the QB (Jimmy G) who has brought him the most success. Jimmy G is 31-14 as a starter for HC Shanahan. Other QBs who have started for Shanahan are 8-27. Now, go figure that out. Shanahan is far from being a genius. He might lucky enough to win a Superbowl this year with a QB he doesn’t want.

    1. Just the facts man.
       Thanks Wes!

    2. Wes,
       Great presentation. Nothing to refute in your post.
       I only have a couple of things that may not be important in the big picture, but I believe should be said.

       Concerning Matt Ryan. It should be respectfully noted that he did win the 2016 MVP with Kyle Shanahan as the Off Cord.
       Regarding Shanahan’ under 500 49ers record. I for one, did not expect Shanahan to take a dumpster fire team with no talent to have a winning record in his 1st and even 2nd year as a 49ers head coach. Even the most celebrated head coach in today’s game… Bill Belichick had a losing record in his 5 years in Cleveland.

       And I can’t ignore the fact that Shanahan (even with questionable calls and draft picks) has taken the 49ers from a bottom-feeder team to a SB contender.
       I’m my estimation, not bad for a head coach with a losing record.

       1. AES,
          Thanks for reading my post. I like to Speak the Truth through my observations of the 49ers. My main point was that HC Shanahan is NOT a genius, however, I did say he was a very good coach. One of the adjustments I would like to see him make is to balance the offense with more passes. I think his coaching scheme is too much run first – power football. If you revisit the 2019 regular season,they were a very balanced offense with a near 50/50 run/pass plays. It was the last few regular season games and the post season when they became a run heavy – power football team.

          Although my post appeared critical of him , I only want him to be better coach because I’m a 49ers fan for life. The only way to improve is to be aware of your negatives and turn those negatives into positives. I actually was positive when he was hired as HC knowing that Mike Shanahan was the offensive coordinator for the 49ers when Joe Montana left and Steve Young became the starter. So I already had an idea that he had learned how to coach from his dad.

          My point about Matt Ryan was that he was already a proven QB for the Falcons during his stint as the offensive coordinator in 2016. So Shanahan didn’t develop him because he was already an established QB. Matt Ryan was also the third pick of the 2008 draft. Just take a look at his stats from 2008-2015. The Falcons used to run a four WR set in their run and shoot offense.

          1. Wes,
             Once again, all good points. But the Shanahan offense is predicted on a run first scheme. It has been successful throughout the season and even more so in the post season. With Jimmy as QB, he only had to make the occasional long pass and mostly intermediate passes over the middle and allow his WRs to gain YAC.

             I believe in time that Lance will provide the balance in the offense with his passing. Shanahan seemed to make a concerted effort to reach that goal by drafting Danny Gray and bringing in Ray Ray McCloud. Lance’s injury has slowed Shanahan’s plan, but I believe that once Trey comes back we’ll see a more balanced offense.

    3. “First, Kyle’s head coaching record is 40-43 which is mediocre at best. Three sub .500 seasons: 4-12, 6-10, 6-10, and two above .500 seasons: 13-3, 10-7.”

       So, what you are saying is Shanahan’s on pretty much the same track as Bill Walsh. Like Shanahan, Walsh’s record through 5 seasons was 34-39. Walsh had three sub.500 seasons: 2-14, 6-10, 3-6, and two above.500 seasons: 13-3, 10-6.

       1. Mr. Hammer,

          I’m honored that you read my post and responded.

          Because the media considers HC Shanahan a genius, I wrote a post stating that he is NOT a genius. However, I did say he is a very good coach because he almost won the Superbowl and he learned his offensive philosophy from his dad, Mike Shanahan, who was a successful offensive coordinator with the 49ers and a two-time Superbowl winner.

          Let’s not compare Bill Walsh or Bill Belichick with HC Shanahan yet, especially when he hasn’t won a Superbowl. The 3-6 was a strike shortened season in 1982 who had a lot of stars sitting out the season. This was the year after Walsh won his first Superbowl in 1981. In 1983, Montana overcame a 21-0 lead to tie the Redskins at 21-21. The refs prevented the 49ers from going to another Superbowl with two penalty calls (defensive holdings and pass interference) on Ronnie Lott, and the Redskins won 24-21. Walsh and Montana won the Superbowl in 1984 against Don Shula and Dan Marino.

          HC Shanahan will never have a team that can overcome huge leads with a run-first, power offense. What makes a great QB is by teaching him how to read defenses, trusting him enough to call audibles, and having the accuracy to throw short, medium, and long passes. HC Shanahan also has to choose a QB with accuracy.

          1. It is very fair to compare two coaches over a specific period of their careers. I understand why you and others may not like it, and I believe it’s primarily from knowing the full story on Walsh. We’ll see what that is with Shanahan.

             With regards to “HC Shanahan will never have a team that can overcome huge leads with a run-first, power offense” I need to ask what a huge lead is. The 49ers were down 17-0 to LA in week 18 with a trip to the playoffs on the line. We both know how that ended.

28. By Baldy:
    “Part of drafting Trey Lance was you thought that, and the idea was, it could really enhance your powerful running game as it is, make the defense defend all 11 players. And it’s something that they didn’t have to do with Jimmy. And so the offense does have a different level to it that it doesn’t have with Jimmy.

    “But you can fall in love with too many quarterback runs—I don’t care what the name on the back of the jersey is—because you know you’re going to scramble for some. All of a sudden, you’re going to start adding up quarterback runs. Like, too many.

    “It’s almost like the same issue people had with Deebo (Samuel) last year. We loved it, yet it was too many, and we might get to that now. I’m sure you’re going to get some injuries, but you just want to kind of manage it and manage the hits, if you can, to guys that carry the football in positions where they’ve got a lot of other responsibilities besides being a runner.”

29. I think it’s time to move on to the next game. This subject has been beaten to death.

30. Hahaha….you got me there. I used the wrong word “never”. I should have said infrequent or less often. A run oriented offense will overcome huge leads LESS OFTEN than a QB driven offense that uses the QB to pass (not run).

    The comeback win by Jimmy G in week over the LA Rams last year in week 18 was miraculous and he pulled the rabbit out of the hat. It shows that Jimmy G can win with his arm and come from behind. This example actually makes my point. NY Giants QB Phil Simms was a game manager in a run oriented offense and made good and accurate to sustain drives. NYG HC Bill Parcels always had tough defenses. Bill Belichick was his defensive coordinator and he schooled by Walsh and Montana plenty of times. Guess what Belichick’s teams are like then and now? A QB driven offense that passes the ball. If you’re down by 17, HC Shanahan had no choice but to pass the ball. I’m sure Jimmy G can throw the ball 10-20-30-40 yards if given the chance. I’m sure if Phil Simms played for Walsh, his QB numbers would have been better. If Jimmy G stays or leaves after this season, the book on him is also not finished.

    The Ferrari and the Mercedes says to Auto World magazine, let the Kia win a race before you compare him to us.

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